Phoneomenon.com » CES

LG Expo : Biometric scanner and Projector!

Timi Cantisano — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:01:03 +0000

The Windows Mobile booth at CES had some heavy hitters making the year look a little brighter for Windows Mobile handset users. Most notable were the HTC HD2, Samsung Omnia, and Sony Xperia X2. Also a peculiar entry that was overlooked by a lot of on lookers was the LG Expo. While Im not overly familiar with LG products I did see the specifications and one feature that I thought was interesting. First the sepcifications, the LG Expo touts :

1ghz Snapdragon processor
5MP Camera
Capability to sync with projector accessory
480×800 3.2″ LCD @ 16 million colors
256mb ram, 512 rom
GPS
biometric scanner

The biometric scanner is an interesting feature mainly because its unique. Although I’ve only used one myself (Sharp SH-01A) once. I think with the right applications it could easily be one of the best features of this device. The sensor allows for not only security features (finger print recognition) but also functions as a small trackpad. Below is demo of the unit using the sensor. The LG Expo is available from ATT currently for 199.99 on contract / 449.99 no contract

CoPilot Live 8

Timi Cantisano — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:26:17 +0000

ALK Technologies was on hand to demo its latest navigation software for WinMo, Android, and the Iphone. CoPilot Live 8 is the latest in a long line of trusted navigation software which not only improves upon from previous versions but is going head to head with Google Maps navigation on the Android platform. Interestingly, the booth was set up with mainly Android based devices (Motorola DROID and Google Nexus One) and visitors had the ability to freely play with the unit. Upon first encounter the software was smooth, bright and the buttons were easily accessible. Pricing for the software is 34.95 (take notes Nokia) one time rate. This means that once you purchase it you own it. No monthly fees for navigation, POI, etc. I certainly hope the ALK will consider authoring something for Symbian and Maemo in the near future. Symbian is a stretch but Maemo could happen.

34.95 for full license
Available for Android, WinMo, and Iphone

Visit ALK Technolgies for purchase : http://www.alk.com/copilot/default.asp

Sony Xperia X2 makes appearance at CES 2010

Timi Cantisano — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:18:32 +0000

I missed this beauty the first day coming through the Microsoft booth, but tucked away (from my eyes) was a mobile booth that had a large display of WinMo devices that are currently available or soon to be launching. The Sony Xperia X2 is the follow up the much hyped and easily forgotten X1. The X1 was plagued with issues but Sony is looking to redeem the X-series by coming with a similar form factor with improvements. First and foremost the X2 runs WinMo 6.5, 8MP camera, GPS, 256MB ram, and a 528mhz processor. Overall, the device was quick but with a couple hiccups possibly because it was running an animated background (which looked like a Sims type background, not as sexy as the Nexus One).

[[Show as slideshow]]

Nokia BH-905 Hands On

Timi Cantisano — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:57:22 +0000

Nokia has spent the past couple years heavily investing into the music industry with mobile devices and music services. This year Nokia has released the BH-905 stereo bluetooth headset which features not only bluetooth stereo streaming but also has a 3.5mm jack. The headset also has a noise canceling feature. I had the privilege of trying the BH-905 stereo headset on the show floor. On first impression the unit is light, sturdy and loud (hard to truly tell but the sound was loud and clear on the show floor, Id assume it would be fine for general home use). The unit does feature noise canceling which is activated with a flick of a switch. I wasn’t able to verify that this actually worked since when I flipped the switch nothing happened. Overall, I felt that the headset are a great investment for anyone who loves music but a bit pricey. The headset are available directly through Nokia and also online retailers. MSRP $299.99 USD

Nokia X6 : Playlist DJ

Timi Cantisano — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:14:46 +0000

Browsing the show floor at CES can be overwhelming. Its easy to overlook small things that could make a new product outstanding. The X6, Nokia’s flagship music device has an interesting application that sorts your music based on mood. While the rep couldn’t explain the specifics from what I gathered the application seems to connect online and sort your music catalogue via mood categories. Depending on your adjustments, you can increase or decrease each category (Happy (upbeat?), Heart (romantic?), Cloudy, Watch (workout/fast paced?)) it will make a playlist. For the time being it will be a X6 feature but is capable of working on other S60 5th edition device.

Update: Downloadable via OviStore for most touch enabled S60 devices. (Thanks Richard!)

Nokia Booth at CES 2010

Timi Cantisano — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:05:24 +0000

A quick overview of the Nokia booth at CES 2010.

Nokia Point and Find

Timi Cantisano — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:49:13 +0000

Remember the Nokia Point and Find application? Well at CES 2010 I was able to see its evolution at the Nokia booth. The demonstration shows that the application can now recognize products and provide relevant information (prices, call option, text/email a friend) to the user.

Phoneomenon heading to CES 2010!

Timi Cantisano — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:21:28 +0000

Greetings and Happy Year to all! Starting off the new year Ill be covering the largest electronics show, CES. Please visit often in the next couple days for updates, news, previews, and hopefully some darn good video!